Wildlife Conservation

Wonderful Wildlife

Spur-thighed tortoise – subspecies unique to the Souss Valley

Wildlife in Morocco is diverse and fascinating. The Taroudant area’s wildlife resources are phenomenal, and your enjoyment of them is greatly enhanced by the knowledge and enthusiasm of our guide, Said, who has been involved with La Maison Anglaiseguest house since 2003, when he first started to help Jane with her research into wildlife conservation.

“The whole experience was wonderful and all were full of praise for the holiday and the staff and especially Said for his amazing knowledge which was shared with such humour and without overwhelming us as some guides can do.” Mike andBarbara Driscoll – leaders of Wildlife, Walking and Photography group, March 2016

Huge Biodiversity There are 460 bird species, 90 reptile species (50% more than in the whole of Europe!) and 3,600 recognised plant species in Morocco of which a high % are endemic (17%).

Male – Moussier’s Redstart

There is a high concentration of endemic species in Souss Valley, High Atlas and Anti Atlas Mountains most particularly in the Souss Valley which is a “crossroads” for flora and fauna from the Mediterranean, the Sahara, the Tropics (eg. the argan tree and Geoffrey’s ground squirrel) and montane zones. A tortoise unique to the region Testudo graeca soussensis named here in 2001 does not need to hibernate due to the lovely winter climate! There are many beautiful lizards and geckos, the latter being used in our logo as a symbol of good fortune.

Moroccan green Sahara frog

In 1991 the Souss Massa National Park, was designated as a category 5 National Park (the highest international designation). It is most famous for the last remaining colonies of Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita) breeding in the wild. Gazelles, Oryx and Addax and the African Ostrich have been reintroduced since 1994 in the Souss Massa National Park and have bred very successfully.

Barbary Ground Squirrel

The argan forest is unique to the region. The fruit produces a marvellous oil which is both good to eat and now in great demand worldwide due to its wonderful effects on the skin, hair and nails. A Biosphere Reserve to protect it was designated in December 1998. The endemic cactoid Euphorbias are recognised as internationally important by the IUCN.